Tips on correct running technique

[TheEditor]

Improve your running and reduce your change of pain and strain with these simple running tips:

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[swanscot Graduate]

Thanks.

Any chance someone has the time to redo the Week 2 podcast that recommends heel striking?

The written guidelines (more correctly) say:

"Aim for a mid-foot strike

Landing on the middle of your foot is the safest way to land for most recreational runners. Avoid striking the ground with your heel or your forefoot first. Your foot should land below your hips – not out in front of you."

[Tbae in reply to swanscot]

MJ in wk 6.2 says try and Land lightly toward the heel. He does not say heel strike.No confusion .👍

[Mitts Graduate]

I'll second that!

[SBG356 Graduate]

Yeah fully agree with Swanscot!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Really glad to see there's now (or was it there before?) information on the site about midfoot landing.

But I'd like to fourth the request for the podcast information to be updated (while appreciating that it can take time to do things like that, meanwhile every week there are beginners asking about the heelstriking advice because they find it doesn't work).

In the response to my message to admin about heel striking, it was stated that "Most running shoes for recreational runners are designed for heel and mid-foot striking. "

If that is so, why do beginners find midfoot landing makes running comfortable instead of painful?

[Tbae in reply to greenlegs]

Must read the podcast.But as a newbie using MJ , there is no confusion for me in his week 6.2. Just been given the links for the Goddess Laura as she has been affectionetly referred to👍.Intend to revisit that podcast.

[notbad Graduate]

Definitely agree about request to update the podcast re heel striking. It comes up on the blogs regularly as Greenlegs states but only after someone has experienced discomfort as a result of trying it. Also what about all those who only use the podcasts & don't use the blogs/website?

[greenlegs Graduate]

I've messaged NHS_Choices_fitness_editor again - anyone else want to as well?

I don't think just one or two people sending a message has much impact, and I don't know how often the forum messages get read.

Also, I think this is only on the c25k+ strand, not the main c25k one (I know they all come up together to start with).

Good point notbad about people just using the podcasts.

[TheEditor]

Hello all,

We're aware of the issue and we will endeavour to align our information at the earliest opportunity.

Thanks for keeping us on our toes!

[PeaBea Graduate in reply to TheEditor]

..... or midfoot!!!! lol

[swanscot Graduate in reply to TheEditor]

Thanks for the response.

[greenlegs Graduate]

Thanks - sorry to nag!

Two questions today are about pain during running from new starters...

[AuntieAli Graduate]

It's great to hear all this and I'm glad all you more experienced runners blog and put your thoughts down. It's also good that admin listens to you, but may I add I haven't a clue whether I run heel or mid foot !! I aim for mid foot as I believe that best but if I'm honest I'm just grateful my foot moves, lands and keeps going at all!!!

Jokes aside, thankfully I haven't had any foot problems or shin/ calf problems yet so perhaps it's more of a wait and see game as to whether anything needs correcting?

Maybe I'm rambling but in any event, the more advice and differences of opinion the more things to try and see what works .

Thanks all

Ali x

[alcopop Graduate]

now I know why my feet and shins hurt as I was running mid food in week one and changes to heel in week two. Just about to start week three so will change my style again and see what happens.

[Malcy Graduate]

Hmm - more Malcy controversy coming up ...

Heel, toe, mid? I seem to remember a lot of comment a few months ago about adopting running styles on the basis of someone else thinking they are better. The consensus was that we should do what comes naturally and feels right. Maybe "forcing" new runners to adopt an unnatural style might actually increase injury rates?

(I usually like to cite evidence for my views but I can't find any formal research into this particular topic.)

[TheEditor]

Hi Malcy,

I think doing what comes naturally makes sense. However, if running bent over, body swinging and arms swinging from side to side comes naturally, then you may benefit from some technical advice!

[Tbae]

Well done.I look forward to re visiting the relevant podcast.Can you tell me which one it was?, that first mentions something about the heel strike suggestion. Basic physics, dictates that the bigger the area you land on when striking, the better the distribution and less loading and better dampening/cushioning/shock absorber effect, but can never overcome obviously the action and reaction physics dictate either.Sincerely, kind regards